Flywheel arrangement

ABSTRACT

A variable mass flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with a flywheel fixedly connected thereto. The flywheel comprises a cavity with at least one inlet thereto. The inlet into the cavity is in fluid communication with a source of particulate matter and the particulate matter is able to pass into the cavity of the flywheel via the inlet.

Presently many efforts are being made to convert and store energy sothat electricity can be made available at a time and a place when andwhere it is required.

One method of energy storage presently being developed is a flywheelstorage system comprising a flywheel that uses fluid to make up aproportion of its mass. A problem with this type of flywheel is that,during the operating cycle, the fluid may evaporate and thereby changethe weight of the flywheel. Another problem with this type of flywheelis that, if there is a need for a flywheel containing fluid and the needis situated in a warm climate, fluid may not always be readily availableor if fluid is available it may evaporate. Therefore, there exists aneed for a flywheel that is safe to use and is efficient to operate andcan be constructed from readily available materials.

In a flywheel energy storage system, the amount of kinetic energy thatcan be stored within a rotating flywheel depends upon several factorsbut the two main factors that govern the amount of energy that can bestored are firstly the rotational speed of the flywheel and secondly themass of the flywheel.

A flywheel energy storage system may have its operating cycle brokendown into three distinct operating periods of time. There is firstly theperiod of time when energy is transferred from one form of energy suchas for example electrical energy into the flywheel to be stored askinetic energy which can then be seen as the rotation of the flywheel.Then there is the period of time when energy is not being transferredinto the flywheel and not being transferred out of the flywheel otherthan losses within the system. Lastly there is the period of time whenenergy is being transferred out of the flywheel; this is usuallyconverted into electrical energy for use by the consumer. During thesethree periods of the operating cycle different forces, stresses andstrains may be set up within a flywheel energy storage system. Theseforces, stresses and strains may be transferred to and from thesupporting bearings. These forces, stresses and strains may reduce theoperating life of the flywheel energy storage system. There may also bedifferent amounts of particulates or particulates and fluids within apartially hollow flywheel at different times during the operating cycle,this means that there will be different stresses and strains upon thesupporting bearings at different times of the operating cycle.Furthermore, if particulates or particulates and fluids are not evenlydistributed throughout a partially hollow flywheel then the flywheel maybe unevenly balanced which may result in excessive vibrations which inturn may result in the destruction of a partially hollow flywheel.Therefore, to coordinate the even distribution of particulates, therealso exists a need for a computer-controlled distribution system thatmay be used to deliver particulates or particulates and fluids to apre-calculated position within a partially hollow flywheel.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a flywheel arrangement that may bea variable mass flywheel, the arrangement comprising a shaft with aflywheel connected thereto, wherein the flywheel comprises a cavity andat least one inlet thereto, wherein the inlet into the cavity is influid communication with a source of particulate matter and theparticulate matter is able to pass into the cavity of the flywheel viathe inlet. The flywheel is preferably fixedly connected to the shaft.

Therefore, there is provided a flywheel energy storage system that issafe to operate and has at least a proportion of its mass comprised ofparticulate material or a combination of particulate material and fluid.Furthermore, the proportion of the mass of the flywheel may be varied byadjusting the quantity of the particulates within the flywheel cavity.

Thus, the present invention provides for a flywheel arrangement having aflywheel connected to a central shaft and a support mechanism therefor,wherein the flywheel comprises at least one cavity that is provided withparticulate therein. At least some of the particulate may be fixed inposition to prevent it moving away from the intended position within thecavity. Additionally, or alternatively, the cavity may have a largervolume than that taken up by the particulate to allow movement of theparticulate within the cavity, thereby allowing its mass to be movedduring operation of the flywheel. Therefore, at least some of theparticulate may be held within a cavity and prevented from movingtherefrom, or it may be able to pass between cavities and/or out of theflywheel. This particulate material may be pre-packed into the flywheelor flywheel sections before construction of the flywheel.

The flywheel arrangement may be orientated to have an axis of rotationthat is substantially vertical or substantially horizontal. The centralshaft may be supported by magnetic bearings.

It is advantageous that at least one baffle extends substantiallyradially with respect to the shaft and/or at least one baffle extendssubstantially parallel with the axis of the shaft. The provision ofbaffles aids with the balance and stability of the flywheel whenparticulates are provided there because the baffles assist withcontrolling the distribution, placement and positioning of particulateswithin the cavity of the flywheel. Whilst one cavity may be used in thepresent invention, it is preferable that a plurality of cavities areemployed in the flywheel.

The particulate may be arranged in a reservoir or container and theparticulate can travel from the reservoir into the cavity of theflywheel. In one arrangement, the particulate may be returned to thereservoir from the flywheel, which may occur during the third phase ofthe operating cycle or at any appropriate time, such as after theflywheel is no longer rotating.

The flow of the particulate material may be by way of one or morecomputer controlled adjustable inlets and outlets, which may be used tosafely control the flow of a quantity of particulates from a reservoirinto cavities within the confines of a partially hollow flywheel.

Preferably, the at least one baffle is provided with a fluid outletarranged in fluid communication with the cavity and, more preferably, afluid conduit may be provided within the baffle and the fluid outletcomprises at least one aperture passing through the baffle to allowfluid from within the fluid conduit to pass into the cavity of theflywheel. The fluid conduit may be provided within, or adjacent, theshaft and that fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fluidoutlet. To allow the particulate to flow more freely, it may bedesirable to provide a fluidising means to enable particulates withinthe present invention to move with more freedom. This may be in the formof fluid flowing through the particulate to fluidize it.

The energy storage system of the present invention may allow theparticulates to be combined with fluids or gases, such as compressedair, in order to fluidize the particulates, thereby aiding with thedistribution and/or transfer of particulates within the cavity of theflywheel. The conduits, which may be tubes, ducts and/or passageways maybe used to allow a fluid such as compressed air to travel from acompressor through the conduits to the lower level of the amassedparticulates within the cavity. Therefore, a fluid, such as compressedair or gas, may be directed through tubes or ducts to then flow throughthe particulate material, thereby fluidising the particulates so thatthey may move more freely and distribute the quantity more evenly withinthe cavity and more evenly within the flywheel. It is preferable thatparticulates are able to move and circulate within the cavity of theflywheel aided by the movement of the fluid.

Preferably, a particulate conduit is provided in or adjacent the shaftto allow the passage of particulate matter into the cavity of theflywheel. Thus, the shaft of the flywheel may be used to transferparticulates into the cavity of the flywheel, and the centre shaft mayincorporate apertures, ducts and/or passageways as well as inlets andoutlets thereto and therefrom that can be used to transfer and directparticulates. The apertures, ducts and/or passageways may be providedadjacent the shaft, for example, running along the external surfacethereof, or they may be provided within the shaft in the form of aconduit therethrough.

There may be a plurality of particulate conduits through, or on, theshaft and the particulate may be directed and transferred into therequired particulate conduit by way of alignment nozzles, which may beused to precisely direct particulates into the correct particulateconduit that will then direct the particulate to a specific position orlocation within the flywheel. As the flywheel is intended to be used ina vertical alignment, that is, the shaft is substantially vertical, inuse, the particulate may employ gravity to move it through theconduit(s). The flow of particulate through the conduits may be assistedby the use of fluid, for example, liquid or compressed air/gas. Whereone or more nozzles are employed, there may a support means for holdingthe nozzle(s) in place

In one arrangement, a sensor is provided within the cavity to monitorthe particular matter therein. The sensors may be employed to providefeedback signals to a computer control system so that the computercontrol system can be used to determine where particulates arepositioned within the cavity at any time when the flywheel is eitherrotating or stationary. The cavity may be provided with a plurality ofsensors and/or, where there are a plurality of cavities or sections ofcavities, a sensor may be provided in each section or cavity to monitorthe particulate therein and to feedback to a computer control system.The information can be used to determine whether a change in thedistribution of the particulate is required.

It is advantageous that the cavity is provided with an outlet to allowthe particulate to be removed from the cavity of the flywheel. Theoutlet may be shaped or angled to direct the particulate back to areservoir or container so that it can be reused.

In a preferred arrangement, the flywheel has flanges comprising amagnetic element and support means are provided for magneticallystabilising the flywheel. The use of magnetic bearings allows theflywheel to be levitated, thereby reducing friction and increasing theefficiency of the system. Additionally, the bearings can be used toassist with stabilising the flywheel. A bearing may be situated at thetop and/or bottom of the flywheel to keep the central shaft in place toallow it to rotate. An adjustable magnetic support may be provided whichmay be adjusted to apply a force in an upward direction which may reducepressure placed on other bearings attached to the flywheel of thepresent invention.

In order to maintain the balance of the flywheel of the presentinvention, it is necessary to evenly distribute a quantity of particleswithin a partially hollow flywheel, therefore to aid with the evendistribution of particulates within the flywheel of the presentinvention, a vibration means is provided which may be used to vibratethe flywheel. Therefore, the flywheel arrangement may also comprise acomputer-controlled vibration mechanism and/or a fluidising channels toaid with the even distribution of particulates within a flywheel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flywheel may incorporateone or more prefabricated sections that may be constructed fromcomposite materials and may be pre-packed with a quantity ofparticulates. The prefabricated sections may be bonded together to forman outer wall of a flywheel. In one arrangement, the outer wall of theflywheel may be constructed from one or more prefabricated sectionswhich are pre-packed with a quantity of particulates before the saidprefabricated sections are connected together to form the outer wall ofthe flywheel. The pre-packed particles may be bonded together or may beunbonded. The sections of the flywheel may be partitioned by shelves ofbaffles that may be provided with apertures to allow the passage ofparticulate material therethrough. The flywheel and particulate materialmay comprise readily available materials, for example, the particulatemay comprise sand, which may be readily available in hot climates.

To aid with the balance of the flywheel, there may be a combination ofpre-packed and confined particulates and additional particulates orfluids which may be transferred into the flywheel during the operatingcycle. In one arrangement, a proportion of the mass of the flywheel maycomprise particulates that are retained in, or on, the flywheel and thatdo not leave the flywheel, for example to travel to or from a reservoir.It might be that the particulate is displaced during the operating cyclewithin a pre-determined volume.

The present invention allows one to control and adjust the positioningof a proportion of the mass of a partially hollow flywheel by adjustingthe quantity of particulates therein and wherein the balance of aflywheel is maintained by the efficient positioning of particles.

The particulate material may comprise sand, plastics material, metallicparticles, salt or any other granulated particles.

The present invention may include a computer-controlled distributionsystem for the controlled movement of particulates or both particulatesand fluids within the confines of a partially hollow flywheel energystorage system containing particulates or both particulates and fluids.Furthermore, the system may be used to aid with the balance, vibrationand overall performance of a partially hollow flywheel containingparticulates or both particulates and fluids. The computer controlsystem may calculate where and when to direct the delivery of a quantityof particulates or a combination of both particulates and fluids withinthe cavity of the flywheel in order to maintain an even distribution ofthe mass and thereby reduce the risk of imbalance of the flywheel.

It may be that the flywheel is connected to the centre shaft so thatthey rotate together and the flywheel is also connected by a support,such as cables, wires, plates, baffles or other connecting means. Thesupport may extend from a position at, or adjacent to, the periphery ofthe flywheel to the shaft.

The shaft of the flywheel arrangement may be supported by a pin andrecess arrangement with the pin being in either the shaft or asupporting section and the recess being on the other of the shaft orsupporting section. Thus, the pin may be provided on the shaft or therecess may be provided on the shaft and the corresponding element. Whenthe flywheel of the present invention is levitating on magnetic fields acentralising pin may be situated at the top and or bottom of theflywheel to aid in the horizontal and vertical positioning of theflywheel. When the flywheel of the present invention is levitating onmagnetic fields a centralising pin may be situated at the top and orbottom of the flywheel to aid in maintaining the flywheels positionabout a fixed central axis of rotation.

An adjustable magnetic support mechanism may be provided, which may besituated at the top of a flywheel. The magnetic support mechanism may beadjusted by computer control means to a position wherein, when combinedwith the magnetic fields within the composite walls of the flywheelinteract with the support mechanism, the flywheel may levitate. Theadjustable magnetic support mechanism may be situated concentricallyabout the axis of rotation. The adjustable magnetic support mechanismmay incorporate a connection means which may be used to aid in thetransfer of fluid or gas to the centre shaft.

The flywheel of the flywheel arrangement may be constructed partiallyfrom composite materials, and the composite materials may incorporatemagnetic materials. For example, the outer walls of the flywheel, orparts adjacent thereto, may comprise magnetic composite materials. Suchmagnetic regions allow the flywheel to levitate heavier masses whenusing magnetic supports or bearings. As the radial distance from thecentral axis of rotation of the flywheel increases, so too does thedistance around the perimeter of the flywheel outer wall also increases.As such, the greater the circumference or perimeter of the flywheel, thegreater the area that is available on which to position magneticelements and the greater the area covered by magnetic elements, thegreater then mass that can be supported using magnetic supports and/orbearings. To that end, a vertical array of magnet fields may be situatedwithin the outer wall of a partially hollow flywheel with an array ofcorresponding supports or bearings being provided in the flywheelarrangement in order to magnetically support the flywheel.

In order to control the flow of particulate and/or fluid through theflywheel and flywheel arrangement, there may be provided a system ofvalves, such as solenoid valves, shutters and/or pistons that may becontrolled by a computer control system for coordinated operation. Someor all of the conduits may be provided with such control systems. It maybe that the system can be used to provide small, individual blasts of afluid, such as compressed air to assist in the flow of particulates fromone or more nozzles to one or more cavities within the flywheel orflywheel arrangement.

During operation of the it is conceivable that the particulates may beunevenly distributed, which could lead to an imbalance of the flywheel,thereby resulting in excessive vibrations. To that end, the flywheelarrangement may include a vibration mechanism that may be used tovibrate or shake the flywheel, either during rotation or whenstationary.

Sensors may be positioned within the walls of the flywheel or elsewherein the arrangement to monitor the forces exerted within the system. Assuch, a computer control system may be employed to receive input signalsfrom sensors and the computer control system may process the inputsignals and then provide output signals to operate and coordinate anumber of adjustable control devices that may be used to control therotational speed of the flywheel and/or vibration mechanism.

Additionally, or alternatively, the computer control system may controlthe flow of particulates into and out of the flywheel and it may controlthe flow of fluid or gas through the conduits that may aid with thefluidisation the particulates.

The flywheel may be provided with vibration means to vibrate theflywheel, and that vibration means may comprise a computer-controlledvibration mechanism and/or a fluidizing channels to aid with the evendistribution of particulate within a flywheel. The use of fluidizingchannels and/or a mechanism for vibrating the particulate allow for theparticulate to become flowable within the cavity. This assists withensuring that the flywheel is balanced and that the particulate can bedistributed appropriately within the cavity, thereby reducing the riskof damage to the flywheel arrangement and also improving the rotation ofthe flywheel.

The flywheel arrangement may be positioned within a containment vessel.One purpose of the containment vessel is to provide an environment thatcan have a reduced atmospheric pressure, by using a vacuum pump todecrease the pressure within the containment vessel. Whilst there may besituations where energy storage is only required for a very shortperiod, in which the flywheel arrangement may be constructed without acontainment vessel or at atmospheric pressure, it is preferred that acontainment vessel is provided, particularly as the containment vesselmay be used to confine debris and particulates in the event of astructural failure of the flywheel or flywheel arrangement.

To that end, herein disclosed is a destructive containment vesselcomprising an outer wall from which extend inwardly protrudingdestructive nodes, or teeth. The use of a destructive containment vesselallows the arrangement to be destroyed in the event of failure and forthe energy to be dispersed more quickly and readily through the break-upof the flywheel. The nodes may have a hardness greater than that of thematerial from which the flywheel is constructed so that should theflywheel become unstable and the system fail, the flywheel is torn apartby the nodes of the containment vessel, which rapidly disperses thekinetic energy in a more contained manner.

Preferably, the end of the node distal from the wall of the containmentvessel has a transverse cross-section that is less than that of the endof the node proximal to the wall of the containment vessel to which itis attached. Using tapered, chamfered and/or a decreasing cross-sectionfor the node allows it to more readily penetrate the flywheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described to show moreclearly how it may be put into effect with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of a centre shaft and flywheel inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a fluid conduit arrangement in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a containment vessel housing a flywheel in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a further fluid conduit arrangement in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 shows a magnetic composite flywheel and magnetic bearings inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an outer wall of a flywheel in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 shows an arrangement in which a motor, generator or turbine maybe connected to a flywheel arrangement in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic view of a horizontal axis flywheelarrangement according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the flywheel arrangement of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a flywheel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the flywheel of FIG. 10 with theinternal elements removed; and

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a section of the flywheel of FIG.12.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show a flywheel 3 that is housed within a containmentvessel 1. The flywheel 3 has outer wall 5 and a cavity 17 is arrangedbetween the outer wall 5 and a central axis of rotation 4 of theflywheel 3. The flywheel 3 is fixed to a central shaft 13 so thatrotation of the central shaft 13 rotates the flywheel 3.

The flywheel 3 is provided with vertical baffles 19 and horizontalbaffles 20, the former extending substantially parallel with the centralshaft 13 and the later extending radially therefrom. The central shaft13 has a plurality of passageways or particulate conduits 25 thereinthat allow the passage of particulate therethrough. The inlets 26 to thepassageways are provided with Y-shaped injection nozzles 32 that allowthe entry of particulate 10 and compressed air 33. The particulate 10passes through the nozzles 32, into the passageways 25 and exits thepassageways 25 through outlets 27 that lead into the cavity 17 of theflywheel 3.

The centre shaft 13 is further provided with a plurality of fluidpassageways, or fluid conduits, 30 that extend through the centre shaft13 and pass into the vertical baffles 19 and the horizontal baffles 20and exit therefrom at vertical baffle outlets 49 and horizontal baffleoutlets 44. A compressor 34 is connected to a connection tube 40 thatprovides compressed gas 33 through adjustable air connection 37 and seal38. The lower end of the central shaft 13 is provided with a pin 18 thatsits in a centralising recess 45.

The central shaft 13 of the flywheel 3, may be supported by magneticbearings 12, at the top and bottom of the centre shaft 13. The magneticbearings 12, supporting the flywheel 3, may be used to stabilise theflywheel 3, from movement in a horizontal direction and in the verticaldirection. For greater support of the flywheel 3, the flywheel 3 hasflanges 16 that are constructed from magnetic composite materials 6,which extend into a recess of a magnetic stabilisation element on theinternal wall of the containment vessel 1. The magnetic interactionbetween the stabilisation elements and the flanges 16 of the flywheel 3aid in the support of greater masses more than one magnetic field 15 inthe vertical direction.

Sensors 22 are provided within the cavities 17 to monitor the mass ofparticulate therein and the forces within the cavity 17. The informationis fed back to computer control system 24 that then controls therotational speed and the flow of particulate material to balance theflywheel. Additional, or alternative, sensors may be used, for example,accelerometer to monitor the rotation and balance of the flywheel. Thesensors, such as the accelerometer and sensors 22, may be connected tothe computer control means 24 by electrical wires or wirelessly, forexample short-range wireless transmitters. The computer control system24, may use the signal from the sensors and signals from thecentralising pin recess 45 to determine where within the flywheel 3,would be the most appropriate position to deposit particulates 10, tomaintain or improve the balance of the rotating flywheel 3.

Particulates 10 may enter the centre shaft 13 through inlets 26 from oneor more nozzles 32 aided by gravity. The particulates 10 then may fallfrom nozzles 32 into the centre shaft inlets 26 where they continue totravel through the passageways 25, again, aided by gravity andcentrifugal forces. The particulates 10 then exit the centre shaft 13,through the outlets 27, where centrifugal forces maintain the movementof the particulates 10, until the particulates 10 come to rest in thecavities 17 near to the flywheel outer wall 5.

Alternatively, or additionally, particulates 10 may enter the centreshaft 13 through inlets 26 from one or more nozzles 32 aided by acompressed fluid 33. The particulates and the compressed fluid 33 arecombined within the Y-shaped nozzle 32, so that the particulates 10enter the centre shaft 13 with enough force to enable the particulates10 to travel through the centre shaft 13 and exit the outlets 27,continuing to traveling until the particulates 10 come to rest withinthe cavities 17 adjacent the flywheel outer wall 5. It is possible forthe particulates 10 and compressed gas 33 to be combined remotely beforethey reach the nozzle 32.

The containment vessel 1 has incorporates one or more inwardly directeddestructive nodes 2. The containment vessel 1 is employed not only tocontain the flywheel 3 under normal operating conditions, but also inthe event of a structural failure of the flywheel 3. Thus, thecontainment vessel 1, can be used to assist in the destruction of therotating flywheel 3 and to confine the same within the containmentvessel 1. Should structural failure of the flywheel 3 occur, all of thecomponents used in the construction of thereof are contained within thecontainment vessel 1. In the event of a failure of the flywheel 3 duringwhich the flywheel 3 becomes detached from the central shaft 13, it maybe necessary to release the accumulated energy into a harmless form asquickly as possible. Therefore, the nodes 2 of the containment areprovided to allow the detached flywheel 3 to smash against, which areconstructed from materials, such as steel, that are tougher than thecomposite materials of the flywheel 3. The destructive nodes 2, maycontain spikes 7 to assist with breaking-up the flywheel 3 to dissipatethe kinetic energy. The nodes 2, are constructed in such a way as toforce the mass of the flywheel 3, to be concentrated on a very smalldestructive node 2, thereby applying great destructive forces to thecomposite material 6. In this way the destruction of the flywheel 3, andthe dispersal of the accumulated energy may be safely contained withinthe containment vessel 1.

The containment vessel 1, may be attached to a vacuum pump 8, which maybe used to evacuate some or most, possibly all, of the air from withinthe vessel 1, thereby reducing the internal pressure and thus reducingthe losses of energy caused by turbulence of a rotating flywheel 3.Additionally, or alternatively, the containment vessel 1, may beattached to a vibration means 9, with the vibration means 9, being ableto shake the containment vessel 1, which in turn shakes the flywheel 3containing particulates 10. The controlled vibration may be used to aidin the even distribution of particulates 10, within the cavity 17 of theflywheel 3. A vibration means 39, may additionally or alternatively beattached to the flywheel 3. The timing of the operation of the vibrationmeans 9 and/or the vibration means 35, is determined by computer controlmeans 24 after processing signals received from feedback sensors 22and/or sensors 23, and other sensors within the flywheel of the presentinvention.

Vibration means 35 is arranged close to the flywheel 3 and the vibrationmeans 35 is an electromagnetic device controlled by computer controlmeans 24. When an electrical current is provided to the electromagneticdevice 35, a magnetic field may be created to attract or repel amagnetic component 46 that is physically attached to the structure ofthe flywheel 3. The computer control means 24 can be used to change thevalue of the electrical power supplied to the vibration means 35, toincrease or decrease the strength of the magnetic field and thereby liftand release the flywheel 3, causing the flywheel 3 and the particulates10 to vibrate, thereby aiding with the even distribution of particulates10 within the flywheel 3. The vibration means may be a pneumatic orhydraulic piston.

A reservoir 11 is situated within the containment vessel 1 that is usedto hold a supply of particulates 10. The particulate may be transferredfrom the reservoir 11 by way of conveyors and/or pumps.

A compressor 34 is provided to supply compressed gas 33 and compressedgas travels through the connecting tubes 40 to the gas control valve 41.The control valve 41 is turned on or off at the appropriate time byelectrical signals from the computer control means 24. The appropriatetime is determined by the computer control means 24, after processingelectrical signals received from sensors means 22, and accelerometermeans 23, which are positioned throughout the flywheel 3. The fluid orcompressed gas 33 may be transferred from the compressor 34 throughpassageways 30 within the centre shaft 13 and passageways 28, within thehorizontal baffles 20, and passageways 29, within the vertical baffles19. The compressed gas 33 then travels through the flywheel 3 to thebottom of the amassed particulates 10 and passes through theparticulates 10, thereby fluidizing the particulates 10 increasing theirability to flow. The action of flowing air or gas through theparticulates 10 provides an increased fluidity and movement within theparticulates 10. Thus, when the particulates 10 are relatively free tomove and the centre shaft 13 is rotating, the centrifugal forces assistwith the movement of the particulates 10 towards the outer wall 5 of theflywheel 3. The particulate becomes fluidised to aid with the movementof the particulates 10 within the flywheel 3.

Once compressed air or gas has been transferred in to the centre shaft13, the adjustable air or gas connection means 37, may be disconnectedto let the flywheel 3, rotate unhindered. The adjustable air or gasconnection means 37, may be fitted with a seal 38, to prevent a loss inpressure of the compressed air or gas.

The computer control means 24, may be used to coordinated the control ofthe combination of the compressed air or gas 33, traveling through theparticulates 10, at the same time as the vibration of the flywheel 3,and the centrifugal forces of the particulates 10, rotating about acentral axis of rotation 4, provide a situation where the particulates10, within the flywheel 3, may be evenly distributed throughout all ofthe cavities 17, of a partially hollow flywheel 3, of the presentinvention.

The flywheel 3 is provided with a lower aperture 61 that can be closedto keep the particulate material within the cavity or opened to allowthe particulate material to flow out of the flywheel, which may beparticularly important when the flywheel is slowing down. Similarly, thehorizontal baffles 20 may be provided with hatches or apertures to allowmovement of the particulate material through to a lower level,eventually passing to the bottom level to leave the flywheel 3 throughlower aperture 61. A particulate return tray 60 is provided beneath thelower aperture 61 to direct the particulate back to reservoir 11. Thelower aperture 61 may be provided with a closable hatch or valve toallow it to be opened and closed.

FIG. 7 shows pre-fabricated flywheel sections 65 that incorporate asupport means 62 which create cavities within the wall of the flywheelto support a quantity of particulates 10. The sides 63 of the section 65are be bonded to the sides 63 of adjacent sections 65 to form the outerwall 5 of the flywheel 3.

As shown in FIG. 8, a motor 51 may be attached to a flywheel 3 by way ofa clutch, the motor being used to convert electrical energy intorotational energy, which may be used to turn the flywheel 3. When theclutch 55, is engaged, the electrical energy supplied to the motor 51,may be used to drive and turn the flywheel 3. The computer control meansmay be used control the motor speed and direction and coordinate theaddition of particulates in to the cavity 17 of the flywheel 3.

FIG. 8 also shows how motor 58 may be situated remotely from theflywheel 3. The motor 58 may be used to drive a turbine 56 and pressurecreated within the turbine 56 may be used to transfer energy by thepressure of fluids, where one turbine 56 is used to transfer fluids inorder to drive another turbine 54 and where the turbine 54 may be usedto drive the flywheel 3.

A generator 58 may be attached to the flywheel 3 by way of the clutch55. When the clutch 55 is engaged the kinetic energy stored within therotating flywheel 3 may be transferred through the central shaft 13 andthrough the clutch 55 to the drive shaft of the electrical generator 58.The generator is used to convert the kinetic energy stored within theflywheel in to electrical energy and the kinetic energy may betransferred through rotational energy from the flywheel to thegenerator.

A turbine 54 may be attached to the flywheel 3 by way of a clutch 55.When the clutch 55, is engaged, the kinetic energy stored within therotating flywheel 3 may be transferred through the central drive shaft13 and through the clutch 55 to the drive shaft of the turbine 54, whichmay in turn be connected to another turbine 56, situated remotely fromthe flywheel 3. The turbine may be directly connected to an electricalgenerator 57, which may also be situated remotely from the flywheel 3 toprovided that may be used to transfer energy in to or out of theflywheel of the present invention. A clutch mechanism may be provided toconnect or discount the central drive shaft of the flywheel to the driveshaft of a motor, generator or turbine.

When energy is available to be stored in the flywheel of the presentinvention then the clutch 55, is operated by signals from the computercontrol means and the clutch then engages the centre shaft of theflywheel with the drive shaft of the motor 51. When electrical energy isprovided to the motor 51, the motor then turns and the engagement of themotor drive shaft with the flywheel drive shaft the speed of theflywheel is increased. The computer control means 24, receives signalsfrom sensors that are positioned to measure the rotational speed of theflywheel and the forces therein. When the flywheel is rotating at apredetermined speed the computer control means 24, then provides signalsto activate valves 41, to thereby allow the transfer of particulatesfrom the reservoir to the injection nozzles 32.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a horizontal axis flywheel arrangement wherein theflywheel comprises radially extending baffles, or supports, 70 thatconnect the central shaft 71 to the outer wall of the flywheel 5. A pin18 is positioned within a recess and magnetic bearings 73 are employedto reduce friction on the flywheel when it rotates. A motor, generatoror turbine 72 is provided and releasably connects to the flywheel by wayof a clutch 55. The arrangement is contained within a destructivecontainer 1.

Hatches may be provided which may be used to release particulates fromwithin the flywheel. For example, the flywheel may be fitted withemergency escape hatches to release particulates from within theconfines of the cavity of the flywheel 3. The emergency release hatchesmay be fitted with catches that allow the opening or removal the hatches52, should the hatches come in to contact with the destructive nodes 2.This allows the rapid evacuation of the particulate in a radialdirection.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show a prefabricated flywheel 3 that is constructed for aplurality of sections 65 that are bonded to one another. The sections 65are connected such that the side walls 63 are connected to the sidewalls 63 of adjacent sections 65. At least some, but preferably all, ofthe sections are provided with cavities 17 into which particulate can beplaced.

Once the sections 65 are connected together, the flywheel 3 has a fixedmass, although the particulate 10 may be able to move within a cavityand may be allowed to pass through conduits or apertures (not shown) topass into adjacent cavities 65. This arrangement allows for the flywheel3 to be simplified without the need to an inlet through whichparticulate can pass into the flywheel 3. Should there be a desire toexpand the flywheel 3, further sections 65 can be applied to theexisting arrangement. The external surface of the sections 65 comprisesthe outer wall 5 of the flywheel 3.

Electrical energy may be derived from renewable energy generators suchas for example photo electric solar panels, wind turbines, waterturbines. Electrical energy may also be derived from other forms ofelectrical energy generation such as for example coal or gas turbines.Whichever form of electrical energy generation is used to supplyelectrical energy to the energy storage flywheel of the presentinvention the result is the same in as much as the electrical energy isused to drive a motor or a turbine which is then connected to theflywheel of the present invention through a clutch which may be used toengage or disengage the drive shaft of the motor with the centralrotating drive shaft of the flywheel. Energy may be derived from anysource and may be transferred from such sources without an electricalconnection. Energy may be transferred using the pressure of fluids todrive turbines.

In an arrangement of the present invention it a bearing may be situatedat both ends of a flywheel when the central axis of rotation is situatedin a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis.

One or more features of one embodiment described herein may beincorporated into any other embodiment herein. For example, the featuresdescribed herein relating to vertical axis flywheels may be incorporatedinto a horizontal axis flywheel, such as the sensors provided in and onthe flywheel and/or the computer control system.

1. A variable mass flywheel arrangement comprising a shaft with aflywheel connected thereto, wherein the flywheel comprises a cavity andat least one inlet thereto, wherein the inlet into the cavity is influid communication with a source of particulate matter and theparticulate matter is able to pass into the cavity of the flywheel viathe inlet.
 2. A variable mass flywheel arrangement according to claim 1,wherein at least one baffle extends substantially radially with respectto the shaft.
 3. A variable mass flywheel arrangement according to claim1, wherein at least one baffle extends substantially parallel with theaxis of the shaft.
 4. A variable mass flywheel arrangement according toclaim 2, wherein the at least one baffle is provided with a fluid outletarranged in fluid communication with the cavity.
 5. A variable massflywheel arrangement according to claim 4, wherein a fluid conduit isprovided within the baffle and the fluid outlet comprises at least oneaperture passing through the baffle to allow fluid from within the fluidconduit to pass into the cavity of the flywheel.
 6. A variable massflywheel arrangement according to claim 4, wherein a fluid conduit isprovided within, or adjacent, the shaft and that fluid conduit is influid communication with the fluid outlet.
 7. A variable mass flywheelarrangement according to claim 1, wherein a particulate conduit isprovided in or adjacent the shaft to allow the passage of particulatematter into the cavity of the flywheel.
 8. A variable mass flywheelarrangement according to claim 1, wherein a sensor is provided withinthe cavity to monitor the particular matter therein.
 9. A variable massflywheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cavity isprovided with an outlet.
 10. A variable mass flywheel arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein the flywheel has flanges comprising amagnetic element and support means are provided for magneticallystabilising the flywheel.
 11. A variable mass flywheel arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein a vibration means is provided which isarranged to vibrate the flywheel.
 12. A variable mass flywheel accordingto claim 11, wherein vibration means comprises a computer-controlledvibration mechanism and/or a fluidising channels to aid with the evendistribution of particulates within a flywheel.